"Cosmic Love"

I mentioned in my "Healthy and Happy Morning Routine..." post that Florence & the Machine has been on my list of faves to listen to in the morning... how fantastic is this song? I had to share it with you in case you're life was missing out on this!

It's a toe tapper :)

xo
El.

A bit of Liberty...

Oxford Circus; London; UK; Photo By El. K. B.

I arrived in London Saturday morning and having a hard time getting around  (a few of the "tube's" lines were down for construction) I ended up in Oxford Circus and I wasn't tooo upset :)

I came across Liberty on Marlborough Road and went in to have a look around... Liberty is located in a beautiful old English Tudor style building that dates back to 1875.

Liberty Department Store; London, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

The interior is just as beautiful as the exterior but I, unfortunately, wasn't allowed to take photos inside. So you'll have to take my word for it... it was AMAZING!

Rooms were filled with the newest fashions from todays world famous young designers (Jonathon Saunders, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, etc.), glistening jewelry (on that note, if you like charms, in my opinion, Annina Vogel is the best of the best at this craft and, at approximately £150 per charm, it's a serious investment), platform heels like I've never seen before and silk scarves ranging from £100 to £900... just to name a few! All of this set within the incredible setting of dark wood beams and ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and white wash plaster walls. Gorgeous!

I wasn't able to take photos of the beautiful garmets on the inside but I was able to photograph the window displays to my hearts content, exhibited more like art than fashion was the sophisticated styles of Alexander Wang...

Alexander Wang window Displays at Liberty Department Store;
London, UK; Photos by El. K. B.

Liberty is a must-see if fashion is your cuppa-tea or even if it isn't... it's truely a piece of London's history. I didn't make it through the whole store and I have to head back because I missed the whole floor on home fashions, something to look forward to :)!!

Kisses,

El.

These Boots Are Made for Walkin'...

My Walking Boots; Cambridge, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

Having a good pair of walking shoes is a MUST for a weekend such as the one I just experienced (I walked all over London/Cambridge and back)... these are my most favorite new walking shoes... not only are they comfy but they're warm enough to combat the coooold English winds...
While on the subject of traveling outfit must-haves... I have to admit my Scottish sweater (picked up on my trip to Edinburgh) is also one my favorite's on a chilly day!

Cold UK Winter outfit; Cambridge, UK; Photo By El. K. B. (obviously) 

:)

El.



PS. Being my second post in the last week focused around footware may give away a little spending guilt I've been hiding :)







Play Date

I find vintage toys really interesting and love the simplicity of toys past (too many toys today are made from plastic, covered in flashing lights, and make loud noises). What ever happened to a basic box that turned into a princesses castle or a can that turned into a telephone?

When I read about the Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood (containing the worlds largest toy collection) in London, I thought it could be really interesting and it didn't disappoint!

"Super Boys"; V&A Museum of Childhood; London, UK; Photo by El. K. B.

Oh my goodness, please (!) let me have boys as amazing as these two one day! They made me smile and look at those classic super hero costumes... it made me laugh out loud... that's right, I didn't "lol"... I literally laughed heartily at this display. The museum was smart to mix the toys with photos of children idolizing or using the toys; it made it all very personal and nostalgic.

The exhibition of toys ranged from very old...

Victorian Doll; V&A Museum of Childhood;
London, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

....To very new, modern toys!

Contemporary Blocks; V&A Museum of Childhood; London, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

A toy museum wouldn't be complete without some toys that are sure to send chills... what is it with toys having a slightly creepy feel to them? Maybe it was Chucky that started this... or all the scary clown movies of the 80's but this little lady wears a look of judgement that is sure to make the strongest of wills feel inadequate while in her sights...

Judgement Doll; V&A Museum of Childhood; London, UK; Photo by El. K. B.

Or how about this one? She's peering into my soul, I have goosebumps!! And what's with the pelvis crank??!!

Scary Doll; V&A Museum of Childhood; London, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

So weird hey?!

All-in-all though, I would seriously suggest this to anyone interesting in a trip down memory lane and a bit of light hearted relief from the classical history museums.

Hugs!
El.

A "Healthy" and Happy Morning Routine...

Okay, so my morning routine usually includes some sort of flaky pastry and a couple cups of a certain caffeine rich liquid we all rely on so I probably shouldn't refer to it as a "healthy" morning routine but in terms of mental health, you probably couldn't get a much better start to the day. I have fallen hard for my morning routine! Here are some photos of my newest favorite part of the day!
 

A good morning routine; Bristol, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

My favorite morning music selection is a combination of the following:

1. Lykke Li

2. Rihanna

3. Girl Talk

4. Florence and the Machine

5. Mumford & Sons

What's on your morning play list? What music starts you off on a good day?



My favorite morning spot; Bristol, UK;

Photo By El. K. B.



Almost finished my pastry; Bristol, UK; Photo by El. K. B.

I'd say out of all the morning routines I've had, this might be my favorite... I encourage you to find your perfect morning routine. 

What does your ideal morning look like? How do you start your day?

Big Hugs,

El.

Don't you step on my Blue Suede Shoes... I mean Red Satin Trainers!

My red satin trainers from Jigsaw, £45; Bristol, UK;

Photo By El. K. B.

I have to share with you one of my most lovely new purchases... at only £45 I was MORE than pleased to pick up a pair of red satin trainers; a beautiful twist on the classic sneaker. They are so fragile; I've hardly had a chance to wear them since it's been raining (not a surprise for the UK winter) but I can't wait to walk all over France in these this summer!

My red satin trainers from Jigsaw, £45; Bristol, UK; Photo By El. K. B.

Don't you think they'll look great with a pair of demin or leather shorts and a striped top? Maybe a cute dress? I daydream about wearing these shoes since, to me, they simbolize spring and summer. Everytime I pass them in my room, they make me smile :)

xo
El.

PS. Speaking of France, I have officially been given the date of May 15th to arrive at my gorgeous Summer house sit in Valbonne! I feel SO lucky to be given this opportunity and I can't wait to head down there.

Now all I have to do is learn how to speak French...it's easy, right?!!

Scottish War Propaganda

One aspect of my trip to Scotland that I left out, as I thought it deserved its own post, was the War museum within the walls of the Edinburgh Castle. I learnt the history of the Scottish army and saw some incredible war garments and weapons.

My favorite part, however, of the war museum was the propaganda section that outlined the adverts used to coerce young men and women into the service by making it seem glamorous. It's really quite intriguing to see how the ads were used and how the subliminal messages (that seem far from subliminal now-a-days) were delivered.

Scottish War Propaganda at the War Museum located in the Edinburgh Castle;
Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.

 These days War Propaganda is sought after by major collectors and I can understand why... these ads changed peoples lives and proves how much power advertisers and the images they create have on the world.

So interesting!
El.

2010 Scottish Mini Break

Wrought Iron Thistle detail on building; Edinburgh, Scotland;

Photo By El. K. B.

History lesson ALERT:
For those of you who don't know the legend, the Thistle became the Emblem of Scotland when a soldier of the Viking Army (in the Battle of Largs, 1263 AD), which was trying to sneak up on the sleeping Scottish Army during the night, stepped bare foot on a Thistle, screeched in pain and made the Scots aware of the Viking approach. The Scots won the battle that would have been a complete surprise to their forces. From that point on the Thistle has represented Scotland.

My mini-break to Edinburgh was far to "mini"! I already have plans in mind of what I would like to do/see next time I head up to Scotland... there is no doubt that I will be going back. As my families heritage lies partially in Scotland, it was a trip filled with a desire to learn about the countries history (nothing makes me more happy!).

With only two days (I suggest booking a longer trip) to see the city, I didn't venture outside its centre at all. I'd love to head back to Edinburgh and travel around the surrounding country side, see if I can spot the Lock Ness Monster, and perhaps drive to Glasgow as I've heard it's amazing as well!

Here are a few of my favorite moments from the trip...

Landing in Edinburgh as the sun came up; Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.



Architectural elements; Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.



Entrance to Edinburgh Castle; Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.



Urban bag pipes, SO good; Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.

...I visited the cities VERY quaint Christmas Fair (where I drank heart warming Mulled Ale), warmed up in the National Gallery....

Busts at the Scotland's National Galleries; Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.

.....visited a beautiful cemetery as the sun set (creepy, I know, but gorgeous)...

Cemetery at Sunset; Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.

....visited the National Scottish Whiskey Experience, where I saw the worlds largest whiskey collection (over 3000 bottles) that contains some of the most amazingly shaped whiskey bottles, learned about the different tastes, scents and regions of whiskey, and rode in a barrel ride that taught me how to make a single malt...

A portion of the worlds largest whiskey collection at the Whiskey Experience;
Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.

View from the tasting bar at the Whiskey Experience;
Edinburgh, Scotland; Photo By El. K. B.

Wow, now that I think about it, it was an outrageously jam packed weekend! What an incredible time in a fantastic city!

I can't wait to go back..

Big Hugs,
El.

IOU a Catch Up!

Wow, it has been FAR FAR FAR too long since I last spoke with you all! The holidays brought with it a lot of work (as I work in retail, it was manic leading up to Christmas which left me exhausted most days!) and a lot of play... I had a great time with friends over the season and although I missed home dearly, it was a lovely Christmas and New Years that I will cherish :)

I have been trying to get myself oriented over the first few weeks for this new, exciting year ahead of me... planning trips, booking flights, buses, accomodation.. oh goodness, the list of plans for the next few months is VERY long and I'm beyond thrilled with what this year holds in its grasp. And you will be coming along with me!

Me, playing with my new camera... SO FUN!

Photo By El. K. B.

Something that will allow me to bring you along with me in the BEST quality available is an amazing new camera to really capture the beautiful places I visit...

I hope to provide you with wonderful photos and videos (YES, thats right, you heard it... VIDEOS in HD!) that will really help you to see (clearly instead of minorly blurred) how beautiful this part of the world is (even in the most unlikely of places).

Before I move onto 2011, I feel I owe you a bit of a catch up... so the next few posts will be focusing on the end of 2010... so here we go :)

Xo. El.